What lies in store for local government in 2013?
This is a really positive article looking forward to 2013 – something few of my peers seem to be doing. It suggests there is an upside around localism and how it translates particularly in terms of housing and health and well-being to enhanced roles for local authorities. The article argues:
The first trading day of 2013 saw the FTSE100 rising above 6000 for the first time in six months, nearing pre-recession levels. If the economy starts to pick up and Britain starts to grow again the picture might just begin to look a little rosier, but that’s a big if.
The government is desperate to make this happen, and there are signs that senior figures are open to localist solutions to get Britain growing. Community budgets are being taken seriously, and while they are certainly not the sole answer to local government’s financial woes, they may represent the blueprint for the future of public services.